The BSI is working to develop an independently verifiable international standard on net zero to help businesses in their transition to clean energy
The standard will be developed over the next 18 months with a view to be launched at COP30 in November 2025.
A public consultation is expected to open in 2025 to support global input and ensure all voices are heard.
ISO Net Zero Guidelines will be converted
The conversion of the guidelines will allow organisations to create comprehensive net zero strategies by providing them with credible best practices.
This initiative aims to build confidence in the necessary actions and outcomes associated with achieving net zero goals.
Benefits of the standard
The upcoming standard will:
- Enhance public confidence: Offer the public greater assurance regarding the authenticity of net zero claims.
- Prevent greenwashing: Establish robust guidance and requirements to support conformity assessment.
- Verify credibility: Provide a framework for verifying the legitimacy of net zero claims, thereby guarding against misleading environmental claims.
Launch of the ISO process
Today marks the formal launch of this process at London Climate Action Week.
The first meeting of the international working group on net zero is being convened to initiate this significant global effort.
The international standard on net zero will provide clarity for the construction industry
The international standard on net zero will provide much-needed clarity to the construction industry, among others.
As a sector heavily impacted by climate policies and sustainability goals, construction businesses will benefit from having a clear, standardised framework to follow.
Susan Taylor Martin, chief executive of BSI, said: “The launch of this standard development process is an important moment in the global effort to meet the climate challenge. While progress is being made to decarbonise key industries around the world, and many individuals and organizations are stepping up, the net zero landscape is complex, and the lack of clarity risks slowing down efforts to turn ambition into action.”
Expert involvement
Experts who wish to participate in the development of the standard can apply to join their National Standard Body’s climate change management committee by finding their country’s ISO member.
The new standard represents a significant step forward in supporting the construction sector’s journey towards sustainability, providing a clear path to achieving net zero and building a more sustainable future.
